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Description
(Pseudostruthio
gigas) Kians are herbivore grazers of large
size, originally known from Prilissa in Trin's Veil
subsector. Due to their hardy nature, they were
exported to a number of worlds as beasts of burden,
and are a common sight in the coreward reaches, both
in the wild and in captivity. They are plains
dwellers, travelling in herds of 10 to 60
individuals, feeding upon grasses, leaves, or
similar plant matter.
Externally, the kian is a large bipedal
creature with a long neck, short tail, and no other limbs (the
remains of an atrophied pair of fire-limbs can be found in some
species. Kians are thickly furred, their coats showing distinctive
color patterns of brown, gold, lemon-yellow, and black. A kian's
legs are powerfully muscled for fast movement over long distances.
The strudiness of their overall frames has made them a frequent
choice for use as mounts and pack animals on the planets where they
occur. Kian's hearing and eyesight are extremely good, reflecting
their predator-laden environment of origin.
Internally, the kian is unremarkable. It has a
closed circulatory system and an overall high metabolism which
requires that it be fed 30 to 50 kilograms of vegetable matter
daily. The kian digestive system consists of two stomachs, which
allows the animal to break down the toughest plant matter into
digestible form. The kian has a thick layer of fat which insulates
in cooler climates and provides a degree of protection from the
venomous bites or stings of some small animals. The skeleton is
strong and heavy, and is structurally not unlike that of the giant
moa and other prehistoric terrestrial flightless birds.
When attacked or frightened, kians will
usually flee, but if cornered are capable of delivering deadly kicks
with either of their hooved feet. The large claws projecting from
the backs of the feet are only present in the male, and seem to be
used solely for ritual combat between males prior to mating.
Kians can carry up to 250 kilos comfortably,
and will refuse to move if overloaded. Kians cannot tolerate thin
atmospheres, and require a special filter/muzzle (§50) for tainted
atmospheres. |
